HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL OFFICES ABOUT TRIO FALL 2013 EDITION Conversation Starters If you’re talking to a Republican – “I know that [LEGISLATOR NAME] is working with others in Congress to reduce the federal deficit. However, I just wanted to make sure that [LEGISLATOR NAME] knows about the very real harm sequestration is doing to our program.” If you’re talking to a Democrat – “I know that [LEGISLATOR NAME] is working with others in Congress to come up with a balanced plan to reduce the federal deficit while protecting our neediest citizens. However, I just wanted to make sure that [LEGISLATOR NAME] knows about the very real harm sequestration is doing to our program.” Go on to share specific details of program cuts – including reduced numbers of students served, furloughs, etc. If your Member of Congress says that they understand, but that we just have to stop spending… If you’re talking to a Republican: o We cannot “cut” our way to where we need to go as a nation. There is not enough “non-defense discretionary” spending to cut that would put us on a path to fiscal stability. o TRIO provides a strong return on the federal investment. It moves families out of poverty and puts them on the other end of social welfare programs. TRIO alumni later pay into the system as wage-earning taxpayers. If you’re talking to a Democrat: o Congress was willing to find a solution to protect the FAA and meat inspectors from sequestration; why wouldn’t they do the same for TRIO? o TRIO is a part of the social safety net. We serve the same families that rely on food stamps, Medicaid, Head Start, etc. If your Member of Congress says that they support you, ask them if they’ve talked to Appropriations leadership! If you’re talking to a House Republican – “Has the Member spoken with Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers and Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Kingston to express this support?” If you’re talking to a House Democrat – “Has the Member spoken with Appropriations Ranking Members Nita Lowey and Rosa DeLauro to express this support?” If you’re talking to a Senate Republican – “Has the Member spoken with Appropriations Ranking Members Richard Shelby and Jerry Moran to express this support?” If you’re talking to a Senate Democrat – “Has the Member spoken with Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski and Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tom Harkin to express this support?”
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 20:32:25 +0000
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